Medias Res: 5 Techniques for Mid-Story Starts
Written by  Daisie Team
Published on 6 min read

Contents

  1. Use dialogue to start in the middle of action
  2. Begin with a dramatic scene
  3. Start with a compelling character revelation
  4. Introduce a conflict
  5. Employ an unexpected event

Picture this: you're watching a movie, and instead of slowly building up the plot from the beginning, it jumps straight into the middle of an action-packed scene. This is a narrative technique known as "in media res", a Latin phrase meaning "in the middle of things". It's a powerful storytelling method that can create instant suspense and intrigue, hooking your audience from the get-go. Let's explore how this technique can enhance your story, starting with using dialogue to dive right into the action.

Use dialogue to start in the middle of action

When it comes to using "in media res" effectively, a strong dialogue can be your best friend. It's like inviting your readers to a party that's already in full swing! But how do you make it work? Let's dig in.

Get Straight to the Point

With "in media res", there's no time for small talk. Your opening lines should plunge your reader right into the heart of the action. Imagine your characters are in the middle of an intense argument. Instead of explaining the backstory first, let the dialogue reveal it. The key is to be both direct and intriguing. For instance, a line like "You're not seriously going to do this, are you?" immediately poses a question that will make your reader want to know more.

Use Short, Punchy Lines

To maintain the pace of your in-media-res start, keep your dialogue short and snappy. Short lines create tension and a sense of urgency, keeping the reader on the edge of their seat. For example, consider this exchange: "It's not safe!" "I don't care."

Let the Dialogue Carry the Action

Remember, your dialogue isn't just there to fill the silence—it's there to drive the action forward. Every line should reveal something new about the situation or the characters. This adds depth to your story without slowing down the pace.

Using dialogue to start "in media res" can be a thrilling way to kick off your narrative. It's like being dropped into a fast-flowing river—you've got no choice but to go with the flow and see where the story takes you.

Begin with a dramatic scene

Everyone loves a good drama. It’s like a magnet—it draws us in, and it’s hard to look away. That’s why starting "in media res" with a dramatic scene can be incredibly effective. It grabs your reader's attention, making them want to stick around to find out what happens next. Let's examine how to create this type of opening.

Set the Stage Quickly

When you're starting in the middle of the action, there's no time for lengthy descriptions. You need to immerse your reader in the scene as quickly as possible. Use vivid, concise descriptions that engage the senses. For example, "The rain-soaked streets glistened under the harsh glow of the streetlamp, as a figure darted into the shadows."

Introduce High Stakes

In a dramatic scene, the stakes should be high right from the start. This could be a life-or-death situation, a high-risk decision, or a moment of extreme emotional intensity. The higher the stakes, the more invested your reader will be. A line such as "If he didn't defuse the bomb in the next five minutes, the entire city would be lost," immediately communicates the perilous situation.

Use Strong, Active Verbs

An effective dramatic scene is all about action and movement. Make sure to use strong, active verbs that convey this sense of urgency. Instead of saying "he was running", say "he sprinted". Instead of "she looked scared", say "fear gripped her". These active verbs inject energy into your writing, making your scene more dynamic and immersive.

Beginning your story "in media res" with a dramatic scene is like lighting a fuse—it sets off an explosive chain of events that keeps your reader hooked until the very end. It can be a powerful tool to captivate your audience and set the tone for the rest of your narrative.

Start with a compelling character revelation

Imagine you're starting a story and your main character reveals a secret that changes everything. That's an example of starting "in media res" with a compelling character revelation. It's like opening a door and finding a room you never knew existed. It immediately makes your reader want to explore further. But how do you achieve this? Let's dive right in.

Make it Personal

For a revelation to be compelling, it has to be personal and significant to the character. It could be a hidden talent, a deep-seated fear, or a secret from their past. This revelation should give the reader a new perspective on the character and fuel their curiosity. For instance, "Despite his tough exterior, he had never learned to swim, a fact that filled him with a profound sense of shame."

Create a Surprise

A good character revelation should be surprising, yet believable. It's like a magic trick—the reader didn't see it coming, but once it's revealed, it makes perfect sense. This surprise factor can create a powerful hook that compels the reader to keep going. Consider a line like, "She was the CEO's daughter, but she worked undercover in the mailroom, preferring to earn her stripes the hard way."

Make it Relevant to the Story

Your character revelation should be directly relevant to the story. It should not just be interesting, but also integral to the plot or the character's development. It should raise questions that your story will answer. A sentence like, "As a child, he'd been abducted by aliens, and he'd been trying to get back to them ever since," promises an intriguing story to come.

A compelling character revelation at the start of your narrative not only engages your reader, but it also sets the stage for a rich, multi-dimensional character. Remember, starting "in media res" is all about hitting the ground running and a juicy character revelation does just that.

Introduce a Conflict

Starting "in media res" can also be as simple as introducing a conflict right off the bat. When your character is immediately thrust into a problem or a conflict, readers are instantly hooked. They instinctively want to know how the conflict will be resolved. Let's look at how we can effectively introduce a conflict.

Identify the Conflict

First, you need to clearly define the conflict. It can be internal, like a character grappling with self-doubt, or external, like a character battling a villain. The conflict should be significant and it should pose a real challenge to your character. For example, "On his first day as a firefighter, he was called to a four-alarm fire at the city's tallest building."

Make the Stakes Clear

For a conflict to be compelling, the stakes must be high and clear. The reader needs to know what the character stands to lose if they don't resolve the conflict. This heightens the tension and makes the reader root for the character. An example could be, "If she didn't find the antidote within 24 hours, her brother would remain a statue forever."

Lastly, make sure the conflict is directly linked to your character. It should test their abilities, beliefs, or values. This not only makes the conflict more personal, but also gives you a chance to develop your character. A line like, "As the only human in a world of robots, he had to prove he wasn't obsolete," does exactly that.

Introducing a conflict at the get-go is a great way to start "in media res". It propels your story forward, giving it momentum from the first sentence.

Employ an Unexpected Event

Another exciting way to launch your narrative 'in media res' is by throwing your characters and readers into an unexpected event. This technique immediately engages your audience, causing them to ask questions and want to read on to find the answers. Let's explore how to do that effectively.

Keep It Relevant

Choose an event that is pertinent to your story line. It should trigger a series of actions or reactions that drive your plot forward. For instance, "Out of nowhere, a piano fell onto the street, just missing the protagonist."

Surprise Your Characters

The unexpected event should not only surprise your readers but your characters as well. This puts them off balance, forcing them to react on the spot. It's a great way to reveal their true nature. For example, "The usually timid librarian reacted surprisingly quickly, pulling a passerby out of the falling piano's path."

Make it Impactful

The event should have a significant impact on the rest of the story. It shouldn't be just a random incident that doesn't affect the characters or the plot. It could change the course of the story, like "The near-miss with the piano made the protagonist rethink his life, leading him to quit his job and pursue his dream of being a musician."

Employing an unexpected event is an effective way of throwing your audience 'in media res'. It kicks off your narrative with a bang, instantly making it intriguing and dynamic.

If you're fascinated by the concept of starting your story in medias res and want to explore more storytelling techniques, we highly recommend checking out the 'Documentary Filmmaking' workshop by Jessy Moussallem. This workshop will provide you with valuable insights on how to create compelling narratives and engage your audience with powerful storytelling methods in documentary filmmaking.